Disclaimer: I do not own any material written by Tolkien or Peter Jackson.
A/N: No note today! Except for the note that says 'no note'. Okay, so technically we now have a note! *Face Palm*
Many thanks to...
LilactheDryad (If she is anything like my friends, then no. She probably will never learn. ;)
Imamc (So good to hear from you again! Glad you like my sense of humor.)
Amy (Aww! Thank you!)
In life, you'll have your back up against the wall many times. You might as well get used to it.
—Paul "Bear" Bryant
Riley's Point of View...
I wonder if the D in D-day stands for death.
D-day. In other words that means frantic hugging, frantic packing, and almost frantic crying filled my morning. I didn't go that far on the last part. Faelas, however, is another story.
We had become quick friends during the month I had been in Caras Galadhon, and she is bawling her eyes out as Rúmil tries to pry her off of me with an apologetic look.
"But if you go there is a possibility that you will not come back!" She wailed again and held me closer.
"Way to stay positive, Johnny Raincloud.', I muttered. I really shouldn't have said that, because as soon as I wasted my breath on a sarcastic comment the elleth squeezed harder.
She finally loosened her grip enough for her brother to pull her away, and I gasped for breath.
"And you were worried about some foul beast killing me.', I remarked as I brushed myself off and straightened my tunic. Mavwen was unhappy with the fact that there was no way I could wear a dress on the journey; but thank goodness she's so levelheaded that she realized that. If she had made me wear or pack a dress I would have thrown it in the river the very first chance I got.
The marchwarden's sister turned on the waterworks again.
"But if you die it could be ages until Mando's would let you out of his halls!', she blubbered.
"I doubt that, Faelas. Unless Námo is exceedingly bored, she would be released as quickly as possible to save the sanity of the Vala."
"Oh! You're one to talk, Haldir. When the devil makes a bad decision he has you on his shoulder.', I retorted.
"Brat."
"Twinkle toes.', I shot back.
"Hush, elflings.', Legolas said through teeth tightly clenched in a fake smile.
"Elflings?', the marchwarden snorted. "And this comes from the elf that ran through the city in nothing but a towel?"
"Ha! Stick that in your pipe and smoke it!" My ex-trainer and I were now united in a cause and Legolas eyed us warily.
"I believe the short-folk and ranger in our company do more than enough smoking for the nine of us. And as to that incident," He gave a pointed glare in my direction. "I'm still not entirely certain that you had nothing to do with it."
"Innocent 'til proven guilty."
"I say guilty until proven innocent.', the woodland elf mumbled under his breath. "We shall be late. Rielásse, grab your pack."
We took the stairs two at time until we reached the edge of the river— the Celebrant, actually— that would eventually empty into the Anduin. I skid to a halt just as my grandparents entered the glade as regal as they were when the fellowship first met them.
"Here we stand, on the edge of doom; the time when those who are to continue must harden their hearts to leave this land. Those who do not wish to go further may dwell in Lóthlorien for a time longer, if they so desire it." Celeborn's eyes were fixed on me, almost pleadingly. Galadriel noticed this and quickly remedied the situation.
"They have resolved to go on."
He nodded, and suddenly his eyes grew older than I had thought possible. His physical appearance seemed the same, but those grey orbs were suddenly wells of pain and memory.
"So be it.', he whispered softly. "And may the blessings of the elves shine upon you."
Several elves came forward and began to wrap cloaks around our necks, securing them with leaf clasps that were veined with delicate traces of gold and silver.
Pippin was wonderingly running the material through his fingers with an awestruck expression as the color of the fabric changed colors.
"Are these magic?', the hobbit squeaked.
"Nay!', one of the elves chortled. "Though the Lady herself made them, with the help of her maidens, and the thoughts of the things they love are woven into the threads of these cloaks."
If one studied the shifting colors hard enough, they would see slivers of green the same shade as my eyes were entwined into the shimmering mantles. I did not notice it until much later in the journey, but several others had, and smiled at what it signified.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help to shield you from unfriendly eyes." Celeborn stated as he watched the fellowship carefully.
"Hold still!', reprimanded the elleth that was helping Merry pin on his cloak. She pricked him with the broach's pin, and he yelped as he stopped squirming and let her finish her job. I snickered, remembering the many fittings I had to endure while I was in Arwen's company.
Galadriel doled out her gifts to the fellowship and the hobbits were dancing around impatiently— almost like five-year olds at Christmas. Pippin and Merry received daggers, Sam a box of earth and coil of elven rope, and Frodo, of course, the light of Eärendil.
I almost snickered at the expression Legolas' wore when Gimli asked Galadriel for a strand of hair. I almost thought my daerada would fly off the handle, but he was merely surprised.
The movies never showed exactly what Boromir's gift was, but Galadriel had given him a golden wrought belt that was studded with tiny emeralds. She then pulled Aragorn off to the side to talk to the hopeless romantic about Arwen's choice and all that jazz.
"And for you, penneth." I was the second last in line and she placed a bow like the one Legolas had yet to receive into my hands.
"Your daerada offered a strand of his own hair for this bowstring, little one. In this way he may have a part in protecting you."
I smiled as her voice once more whispered into my mind.
Legolas was trying not to be interested in the Galadhrim bow that was given to me, but he was sure having a hard time of it.
"Stop pouting like a baby." I poked Legolas in the ribs. "You get a cool weapon, too."
Galadriel's eyes twinkled at my comment and her laughter startled many of those in our company.
"Indeed. Pouting is unfit for a King's son.', she rebuked, causing him to glare at me again and turn an interesting shade of red. She laughed again before handing him his own weapon. He thanked her and began to study his new possession intently as we were lead to the docks.
The closer we grew to the boats the more tense I had become. My shoulders were taut and I caught Celeborn giving me worried glances from the corner of his eye. He drew me close to his side before enveloping me in one of his famous bear hugs. When he sensed that I was getting tired of being squeezed like python prey, he released me and smiled.
"I believe this belongs to you." He slipped the necklace my parents had given me over my head. I glimpsed down in surprise before grinning and giving him a peck on the cheek.
"I was beginning to wonder if mavwen would ever give it back to me." He laughed at my comment and gave me one last hug.
"Be safe, niel."
"I will, daerada."
Galadriel said something along the same lines to me before she kissed my forehead and went to stand by her husband.
"Have courage, ilfrith. Come back to us.', her voice echoed into my thoughts.
"I will, mavwen."
Legolas began to hurriedly toss packs into the boats, Pippin and Merry watching him curiously from where they sat inside one. The elf pulled out a golden wafer from one of the parcels that the elves of Lórien had given us.
"What is that?', Pippin asked curiously.
"Holy Grail.', I replied, trying to act like I was at ease.
Legolas rolled his eyes.
"Lembas. An elvish way-bread. One bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man." The blonde elf took a nibble before walking off.
"And how many did you eat, Pip?', Merry whispered as he picked the crumbs from his teeth.
"Four.', the hobbit moaned as he clutched his stomach. "I should 'ave known somethin' was wrong." Whether he then belched or did something equally disgusting I'm not sure, but I decided that I would definitely not ride in that boat.
Boat. I have to ride in a boat. Oh for the love of Mr. Twisty's Twisted Cheese Curls!
You would have thought that I would have gotten used to the idea of having to ride in a boat by now. But unfortunately, I was so terrified of the notion that I had pushed it to the back of my mind. The fear came back with a vengeance as I stared at one of the water crafts.
"It is not a warg, Lady Rielásse." I had not even noticed that Haldir had come to stand by me until he spoke.
"No. But it can be just as dangerous."
"Do not tell me that our brave little warrior is afraid of a boat?', he said in a sarcastic tone.
Legolas, obviously remembering my episode in Celeborn's study, glowered warningly at the marchwarden.
I'm confused. First we fight and he gives me the death glare, then he goes all protective on me. He's acting like— like a brother.
"Haldir—', I began, only to be cut of as he continued to speak.
"You faced a Balrog for Valinor's sake! And you are afraid of a boat!?"
Celeborn, who had also noticed the nosedive the conversation was taking, quickly opened his mouth to say something. I beat him to it.
"My parents died in a boat." I was just barely short of roaring with anger. The members of the fellowship that were close enough to hear me— which would be all of them— stared for a few moments. I could see the pieces clicking together in the minds of those who had been in my daerada's study that day.
"Forgive me, Lady Rielásse. I did not—"
I held up my hand to stop him.
"It's all right Haldir. I do not want to speak of it."
"But—"
"The lassie said to let it go.', Gimli growled.
I quickly gave my grandparents a hug before making my way to one of the boats.
"Is it all right if I help you get in?" I dropped my eyes to see Frodo smile sadly up at me.
"Of course, mellon nin."
Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Control your fear, Riley. It is through fear that the Enemy can control us. Control it.
"Lady Rielásse?" The curly haired hobbit helped me into the boat. "I'm sorry you have to endure these things for my sake.', he said as he lowered his gaze.
"Don't be. I knew I would have to face my fears when I came on this quest with you."
"I— I — just..." He swallowed nervously, obviously regretting having to bring up a touchy subject. "I just wanted you to know that I know how it feels sometimes. I was afraid of boats, too."
I grimaced as I remembered why Frodo had lived with Bilbo in the first place.
"Thank you, Frodo. For everything."
Trying to swallow a panicky sob, I curled into a ball in the middle of the boat and rocked back and forth gently, hugging my knees and ignoring the anxious looks that were sent my way.
"Namárië. The blessing of the free-peoples shine upon your quest. Go now, and fulfill it.', Celeborn's voice musically bellowed.
The boats were pushed away from the docks and as I looked back, I saw Galadriel standing serenely, her hand lifted in farewell.
Legolas and Gimli had decided to ride in the same boat I had climbed into, and although I insisted on helping them paddle, they gently turned me down and let me stay curled up in my cocoon.
The boats traveled downstream for several hours, and whenever those with oars would grow tired of rowing they would let the current pull them, allowing them a few moments of rest. We did not beach the boats for lunch, choosing to eat in the boats instead.
Having to eat in the moving watercraft, however, meant that I had to sit up. And since I had to sit up, I had to see the deep blue water flowing on either side of the boat. To occupy myself, I tried to look at anything but.
Trees were on either side of the bank, their branches hanging over the Celebrant. Green moss also hung down over the river, draped across the limbs that spread across the water. Huge roots of thirsty plants twisted down the sides riverbanks to lap at the swirling liquid. It was peaceful, but hard for me to relax in such a setting.
The breeze began to die away and the trees and underbrush on either side began to thin out immensely as the boats glided into the tributary that joined the Celebrant with the Anduin.
Soon the trees disappeared completely, leaving the land bare for several miles. I laid back down in the boat and tried not to think about the water. Or the fact that I was in a boat. I hate boats.
"Are you sure you are alright, lass?', Gimli inquired for the twelfth-hundred time. I nodded and gave a weak smile, clenching and unclenching my sweaty palms.
And this is the way I spent the next week. Legolas and Gimli tried to comfort me the best they could, but in all honesty, they only made it worse.
The counselors in Middle Earth stink.